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1
A Cynical Question
Commentators overwhelmingly agree that Pilate's question, "What is truth?", was not a sincere search for knowledge. They describe it as a sneer, an expression of contempt, or irritation. He didn't wait for an answer, highlighting the tragic irony of a man dismissing the concept of truth while standing face-to-face with Jesus, who is the Truth Incarnate.
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John
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Commentaries
9
Albert Barnes
On John 18:38
18th Century
Theologian
What is truth? This question was probably asked in contempt, and therefore Jesus did not answer it. Had the question been sincere…
AT Robertson
On John 18:38
What is truth? (τ εστιν αληθεια; ). This famous sneer of Pilate reveals his own ignorance of truth, as he stood before Incarnate T…
Charles Ellicott
On John 18:38
19th Century
Bishop
Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?—“‘What is truth?’ said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer.” Such is L…
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Charles Spurgeon
On John 18:38
19th Century
Preacher
Pilate said to him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find in him no fault at all.
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 18:38
Pilate’s reply, “What is truth?” is difficult to interpret. Was it facetious, scornful, impatient, despairing, or sincere? Even from the context it…
John Calvin
On John 18:38
16th Century
Theologian
What is truth? Some think that Pilate asks this question out of curiosity, as irreligious men are sometimes accustomed to eagerly desire l…
John Gill
On John 18:38
17th Century
Pastor
Pilate says to him, what is truth? &c.] That is, in general, or that which Christ then particularly spoke of: many things…
Matthew Henry
On John 18:33–40
17th Century
Minister
Are you the King of the Jews? That King of the Jews who has been so long expected? Messiah the Prince; are you he? Do you call yourself so, and wou…